William Shakespeare: Comedian. English Association of Ohio Monographs in Language and Literature, No. 1.

Sanders, Norman

In his plays, Shakespeare reveals a double view of life by repeatedly juxtaposing a representation of the comic spirit with the tragic protagonist. In the idiom of Shakespeare's world, heroic characters often embarrass or destroy themselves by confusing appearance with reality. Then, the comic characters or "mad men," functioning as "professional undeceivers," shatter the illusions of the self-deceived. Having no illusions of their own and no need to pose as wise, these "fools" can speak the unvarnished truth and can also skillfully effect illusions to serve their purposes. Falstaff, stage manager and actor supreme, completely incorporates this comic technique as he employs such devices as the practical joke to educe reality for his opponents as well as the audience. (JB)